Sunday, October 15, 2006

More Daniel Gibson

Am I too excited for a second round pick? I don't care. I don't know about you, but this makes me very happy:

He had to make several adjustments, including raising his voice.

"I've never been that vocal out there on the floor because I've always tried to lead by example," Gibson said. "In this league, the point guards are looked upon as leaders, so you have to be able to tell guys what to do. Eric Snow told me regardless if I'm a rookie or not, guys have to feel comfortable when you tell them stuff."

Becoming a vocal leader is only half the battle. A successful point guard must know what he is talking about while directing traffic. That means plenty hours of study once practice is over. Gibson routinely takes a DVD of that day's practice or game home for further viewing.

"That was a big difference," Gibson said. "We have plays with more than one option and as a NBA point guard, I have to do more than just know what I have to do. I have to know what everyone's doing. I'm watching film to do everything I can to be prepared so I can be ready when coach calls my name."

Getting young guys to study game film is one thing. But a guy watching DVDs at home of practice? We're talking about practice! Me gusta.

There's more:

Once Gibson returns to practice the following day, he follows the same routine of getting to the gym early to work on shots and participate in drills.He's also one of the last players to leave because he finishes the day with more drills and more shots. Gibson also spends time with veterans David Wesley, Damon Jones and Eric Snow.

"I like his willingness to learn and ask questions," Snow said. "The talent is there. His work ethic and his willingness to learn means it's only a matter of time before he gets better. It's extremely tough for a young guy to play this position but Daniel's been doing a good job so far."

I like this a lot. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the Gibson pick up. He was one of the top ranked college players to begin last season and he had a down year. Then he fell in the draft (many experts had the Cavs selecting him in the first round, but they grabbed him in the second) so I thought the Cavaliers had a steal.

"Daniel Gibson showed a lot of poise," said Mike Brown. "He tried to get the team into the offense and I thought he took the right shots and he tried to defend. Shannon, he scored, he worked hard at times, but they both have a ways to go."

"They looked impressive tonight," quipped LeBron. "They shot the ball very well. Daniel Gibson, late in the game, tried to put (the team) on his back and win a ball game for them. He came up a little short, but the confidence in those two guys looked pretty good."